Pakistan wants US military out

The Pakistani army has ordered reductions in the number of US military personnel operating inside Pakistan in what is being seen as a response to the unilateral US raid which killed Osama Bin Laden.

The nation’s army has faced heavy domestic criticism for allowing US forces to enter and unilaterally operate within Pakistan – many calling it a violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty. In addition, many argue the army may have been harboring Bin Laden all along. The Pakistani army has called on the US to reduce its forces to the minimum essential levels. Currently, the US bases around 275 declared military personnel in Pakistan. In addition to reduction in force, the Pakistani army said it would be reevaluating its military and intelligence cooperation with Washington if the US continues to act unilaterally and carry out similar raids within Pakistan, warning America of “disastrous consequences”.Pakistan’s ISI, while having provided some Intel to the CIA, claimed it was left out of the bigger picture. "CIA did not share further development of intelligence on the case with the ISI, contrary to the existing practice between the two services," said an ISI statement. The US-Pakistani relationship was strained prior to the raid; the unilateral US action has not improved the situation.